Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) recognises that nurses are at the heart of healthcare and has introduced a dedicated staff devising strategic and innovative learning methodologies to equip the nurses with the most recent evidence based practice. PHCC ensures that it supports its workforce by providing access to professional development with these innovations and supports the nursing vision, says an official.

“At PHCC, we are not only are committed to delivering high-quality and effective care but we ensure that this is provided in a safe, compassionate manner,” said Dr Samya Ahmad Al Abdulla, Executive Director of Operations at PHCC.

“Nursing has come a long way in Qatar, today we are rolling out programs to encourage further and exploring innovative way to improve patient care, our nurses are trained to not only use holistic nursing care to enrich the lives of our patients, but also to enrich their own lives in this tough but very rewarding role,” she added, as International Nurses day was marked yesterday.

The Workforce Development and Training Directorate (WDT) at the PHCC has the responsibility for the professional development of approximately 1,800 nurses across 25 health centres and school nursing section in the community of Qatar. The professional development is strategically aligned to reflect the needs of nursing staff and service they provide and the Ministry of Public Health National Health Strategy.

Innovative educational programs and interprofessional approaches to the development of PHCC staff are in place to address the dynamism of the nursing profession.

The Continuous Nursing Education Program (CNE) officially launched in 2014 and has, continued to advance. Several programs are delivered by the Workforce Development and Training Directorate and reflect service requirements based upon developmental needs assessment.

In addition to the CPD activities, the General Nursing Orientation Program is a comprehensive course formulated to equip new nurses’ competencies in primary care setting and has been conducted every month from 2013 to present.

With the implementation of Nursing Visioning Program 2017 to 2022, the first in PHCC is the newly piloted Certified Vaccination Course in partnership with University of Calgary, Weil Cornell University and Qatar University targeting 250 nurses yearly.

Additionally, the role out of nursing competency framework and subsequent competency assessment is occurring within health centres. The outcomes of the competence assessment findings will act to highlight skill gaps. This gap analysis where appropriate, will inform development opportunities to further enhance nursing roles, responsibilities, privileging, but of greatest importance, patient experience and safety here at PHCC.